I absolutely loved Funny You Should Ask and Once More with Feeling was one of my most anticipated books of 2023, so thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It has been years since Kathleen Rosenberg, formerly known as major pop star Katee Rose, has been in the spotlight. Her career blew up partly due to Cal Kirby, and she’s apprehensive when he now shows up with the job of her dreams- starring in a Broadway musical that he is directing. While their reunion starts out tense, the connection between them is strong.

I really enjoyed the Broadway/musical theatre and summer camp references throughout the book, as well as the flashbacks which built up Kathleen and Cal’s past. This was a really fun read and I recommend picking it up when it publishes on May 30, 2023.

A peppy romance featuring two former pop singers and current frenemies collaborating on a musical. Cal is the director and Kathleen (aka Katee Rose) is the show’s star - will they be able to put their dramatic past aside and make it to Broadway?!

Once More with Feeling is told from Kathleen’s perspective and there are flashbacks. At times, her present day inner monologues seemed more like something a teenager would write in their diary than the musings of an adult woman. There was a lot of telling and not necessarily showing. And yet…(as Kathleen says/thinks numerous times) it is still a fun and entertaining read!

Cal seems like a sweetheart and I was rooting for him to find happiness and for Kathleen to figure out what she wants and who she has grown into.

Recommended to fans of (former) celebrity romance, second chance/friends-to-lovers, (sort of) enemies-to-lovers plots. Bonus points if you also enjoy musical theatre. Give this a chance if you’re in the mood for a quick, lighthearted read. 3.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Random House Ballantine for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

This is a heartfelt, poignant, genuine, and engaging romance novel that skillfully weaves together the "enemies to lovers" and "second chance" tropes. It tells the story of Kathleen and Cal as they navigate their relationship through time.

The two first met at a summer theater camp when they were teenagers, where they were both selected to perform solos. Kathleen aspired to perform on Broadway, while Cal shone with his dancing skills. They shared an innocent and unforgettable moment on the roof and teased each other during rehearsals. But after the summer ended, they went their separate ways.

The next time they met, Kathleen had become a pop singer named Katee Rose and was dating the lead singer of a popular boy band, Ryan, who was self-absorbed and loved being in the spotlight. Cal joined Ryan's boy band, bringing back memories of their shared past. Things escalated quickly, and Kathleen found herself in the middle of a love triangle. In the end, she lost both guys and her entire career as she was shunned by the press, fans, and agents.

I n the present day, Kathleen's best friend and partner in crime, Harriett, has written a play with a lead character inspired by Kathleen. The two of them find themselves working with Cal, who is interested in directing the play for Broadway. Although Kathleen must bury the hatchet and be professional, her resentment towards Cal for not supporting her in the past still simmers.

Their forced professionalism is soon tested as old feelings resurface, leading to witty and sarcastic banter. Both Kathleen and Cal still blame each other for the events of the past, and they must decide if they are willing to risk their careers for a second chance at love.

Overall, I found Kathleen and Cal's story to be more sincere and heartwarming than the author's previous characters, Chani and Gabe (who had a Chris Evans vibe). This is a beautifully written and emotional story about childhood sweethearts that I highly recommend you don't miss.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Dell for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.



Regenerate response